CITY READY FOR FAM JAM
Flipside Records to be welcomed with block party
There will be plenty of music Sunday in downtown Berkley at Flipside Records — inside and out.
Berkley’s Downtown Development Authority is throwing a block park event there from noon to 4 p.m. to welcome the independent record store to town.
Flipside owner Todd Fundaro opened at 3099 Coolidge Highway last month after nearly 40 years in Clawson.
The DDA is hosting a Fam Jam Block Party in the parking lot outside Flipside Records, which is near the public library south of 12 Mile Road.
The event features live music, food trucks and family friendly games and activities.
Fundaro had to leave his former location in Clawson after the space he rented on 14 Mile Road was taken back for another purpose by the landlord.
“Berkley’s been great to me through the whole process” in moving to the city, Fundaro said. “And now I’ve got a parking lot. I didn’t have that in Clawson.”
Flipside has tens of thousands of vinyl records, and now has more display space for its other inventory such as stereo equipment, used video games, toys and memorabilia. The most popular vinyl records at Flipside are classic rock and hip hop. Fundaro said his store also boasts a well-stocked section of metal and independent recording artists.
Berkley’s DDA was glad to see Flipside take up space on Coolidge.
“The store has already become a major destination in downtown Berkley,” said Mike McGuinness, DDA executive director. “It’s brought a lot of vitality to that stretch of Coolidge.”
Flipside Records is part of a growing mix of independent businesses in the downtown area.
“Downtown Berkley is continuing to see a diversity in the independent retailers and restaurants we have here,” McGuinness said.
Flipside has been buying and selling records since 1980, and Fundaro said he’s proud to be part of the wide variety of independents operating in Berkley.
One of his goals is to try to promote the idea of going to record stores. While there are many outlets now for vinyl, there is a wide gulf between the quality and collectability of records sold, he said.
“Between my manager and I we have 80 years of experience,” Fundaro said. “We know what we are do
ing. The records on our shelves are in better condition for the price than any other store.”
Sunday’s Fam Jam in Flipside’s parking lot includes a special performance by the Norup International school band, a family martial arts section presented by MKG Detroit, and photo opportunities with a Star Wars stormtrooper.
Arts and crafts activities will be available, as well chances for Girl Scouts to earn patches.
Four local bands are set to perform from noon to 1 p.m., and from 3-4 p.m.